In this episode, we're joined by Field Director Christie Wright and Senior Property Assessor Cy Bailey at the Property Valuation and Review division in the State of Vermont. We talk about Vermont’s assessment and reappraisal processes, getting caught up on best practices, as well as other new trends in the assessment field:
We cover:
Introduction to Assessment Matters podcast 00:00
Background and big ideas 00:23
Christie and Cy’s backgrounds in property evaluation and assessment, data collection, and fee appraisal
Core duties of the oversight agency in Vermont 2:01
Administering split tax codes
Guiding and overseeing elected listors (assessors)
Setting parameters and ensuring compliance
Equalization tolerance
Getting newcomers up to speed 5:34
Not a quick fix — three years minimum for proficiency
Evaluation methodology 7:06
Sales vs market-adjusted costs
What is the most difficult thing to teach? 8:15
Technology and equity metrics
Market swings since COVID-19 10:22
Technology and assessment in Vermont 11:04
Labor-saving inspection technology (e.g. EagleView, Pictometry)
Landscape-specific challenges (e.g. foliage)
Getting caught up on GIS and mapping
Education and training opportunities for assessors in Vermont 14:55
Advisors for direct contact
Grant money to pay tuition and expenses for classes and certification (e.g. from IAAO)
What does Vermont do well? 17:21
User-friendly appeals process
New trends and changes in Vermont 20:12
Legislative changes: Act 68
More consistent assessment and reappraisal
Advice for newcomers 22:48
Learning by doing: being involved in the beginning to the end of a full reappraisal process
How to reach Christie and Cy
Christie.Wright@vermont.gov
Cy.Bailey@vermont.gov
